Figure 2 shows that Despite the comparative reduction in total transactional value, the number of recorded transactions increased in all three sectors of office, retail and industrial property. Whilst 2011 recorded some 73 transactions, this number increased to 128 in 2012, with the volume of office transactions increasing by 100% year on year. 

The total of transferred GLA increased by 23% in 2012 to reach 1,7 million m², this despite the V & A Waterfront transaction which took place in 2011.

When analysing the total value of property transactions for the comparative periods, it is to be noted that the overall rate per m² of GLA reflected in prices saw an average decrease in both office and retail sectors but an increase in the average rate of GLA in the industrial sector. This is reflective of investors taking up high yield and low quality assets to build portfolios. 

South Africa’s cross border transaction volumes is almost non-existent particularly within the African continent. However, there is increasing interest from South African companies to focus more on the African continent, despite limited capital commitment in Africa.

The only notable realised cross border transaction was the acquisition of 85% shareholding of Accra Mall in Ghana by Sanlam and Atterbury Fund from Actis Despite this limited activity within the African continent; there are inroads into investing in African real estate by local companies, with a number of announcements skewed to development projects rather than acquiring existing assets.